Sir Howard, the chief executive of Manchester City Council, has been appointed by the Government to oversee the regeneration of Blackpool.

 

He said that the new role meant he did not have time to continue on the ODA Board, which has 12 members.

 

Sir Howard said: "It's quite simple really.

 

"The Government asked me to chair the Blackpool role and I couldn't do both things and my job in Manchester.

 

"If they hadn't asked me then I would still be on the ODA."

 

Sir Howard was secretary of the 2002 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee and was awarded a knighthood in 2003 for services to the reconstruction of Manchester following the IRA bombing there and the XVII Commonwealth Games.

He said:"It's a decision that I have made with some regret but my role in Manchester does have more in common with what I am doing in Blackpool."

 

John Armitt, chairman of the ODA, said: "We thank Sir Howard for his efforts and commitment to the Olympic Delivery Authority board which have helped put us in great shape to deliver a fantastic Games in 2012 and a lasting legacy for the UK .

 

"However, we recognise Sir Howard's long-standing ties and commitment to the North-West and wish him every success in his new role."

 

Tessa Jowell, Olympics Minister, said: "Sir Howard Bernstein has made a terrific contribution to the impressive start made by the Olympic Delivery Authority.

 

"He has provided real practical experience of hosting a global sporting event, from his work on the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, and a valuable regional perspective, working with us to make sure the 2012 Games produce real benefits for all the UK.

 

"Howard's talents are much in demand and I can appreciate his enthusiasm for this new challenge in the North-West - which would make it very difficult for him to continue to devote the time needed for his work on the ODA Board."